NEP Alliance helps firm get contracts

At the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center, recently, the President and CEO of Lake Region Micro Electronics Corporation, Allison Mancino spoke about receiving approximately $62,000 in government contracts from the Department of the Army and the Defense Logistics Agency with the help of Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA...

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By Katie Collins News Eagle Reporter

Wayne Independent - Honesdale, PA

By Katie Collins News Eagle Reporter

Posted Jul. 15, 2013 at 2:44 PM
Updated Jul 15, 2013 at 2:46 PM

By Katie Collins News Eagle Reporter

Posted Jul. 15, 2013 at 2:44 PM
Updated Jul 15, 2013 at 2:46 PM

LAKE REGION

At the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center, recently, the President and CEO of Lake Region Micro Electronics Corporation, Allison Mancino spoke about receiving approximately $62,000 in government contracts from the Department of the Army and the Defense Logistics Agency with the help of Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) and Procurement Technical Assistance (PTAC). The contracts are for items that include electronic connector manufacturing, computer storage device manufacturing and electronic connector manufacturing.

Mancino started the business in 2012 after returning to the industry following a 10 year absence. By working with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Scranton, she said she was able to "establish my roots again and kind of find my way in an industry that had changed since I left." SBDC helped her put together a business plan and make contacts. She said, "Little by little, just finding my way through the base and other establishments that I wanted to target as my key accounts, I've started growing the business." Recently, she said a couple of larger businesses have contacted her because they would like to partner with small businesses. She said she is very thankful for the help she received from Karen Ostroskie of the (PTAC) because of the people Ostroskie put her in contact with to help the business grow.

Ostroskie worked closely with Mancino and she said that it is quite rare for a business that has only been open for a year to receive government contracts. Usually, she said, it takes a lot longer, but because Mancino, "is very motivated and persevered and keeps on, pounding the ground until she gets what she ultimately wants to go after, so that's what really makes the difference."

PTAC, Ostroskie said, helps entrepreneurs like Mancino break out of their shells as they are trying to develop and grow their business. Working with the entrepreneurs, she said, they are encouraged to attend events and network with government contractors and agencies, so they can build relationships.

President and CEO of NEPA in the Wayne and Pike County areas, Jeff Box said the Alliance has small business services that can help businesses grow. Additionally, he said the Alliance helps with small business financing, international business development assistance and government contracting assistance. He added that if there is anyway for the Alliance to help, to contact (570)-655-5581 or visit www.nepaalliance.org.